Cognition

So far, variation in cognitive abilities has been studied mainly with regard to species differences. To this area of research, we contribute comparative data on the socio-cognitive plesiomorphy of basal primates. We carry out these studies on lemurs held at the DPZ and Affenwald Straussberg, but also on several species in Madagascar. Additionally, we study the causes and consequences of individual variation in cognitive abilities within primates and carnivores. Therefore, we combine cognitive tests on wild animals with accompanying experiments to determine personality traits, as well as measurements of various fitness indices. Furthermore, we also examine how lemurs coordinate joint activities and how they resolve conflicts.

Pyritz L, Fichtel C, Huchard E, Kappeler PM (2013) Determinants and outcomes of decision-making, group coordination and social interactions during a foraging experiment in a wild primate. PLoS ONE 8: e53144.